Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants announced their starting lineups for the Nedbank Cup’s first semifinal clash at Orlando Stadium.
It’s a busy week for the Buccaneers after they successfully qualified for the CAF Champions League semifinal last Wednesday beating Algerian side MC Alger 1-0 on aggregate. Pirates had to quickly shift the focus as they face Gallants this afternoon for a spot in the Nedbank Cup final.
The Sea Robbers eliminated Richards Bay in the first round before knocking out Baroka in the last 16 and beat dumped out SuperSport United in the quarterfinal via penalties. It has been an easy journey for the defending champions as they look to the Nedbank Cup for the third consecutive time.
Gallants might be fighting for their survival in the Betway Premiership but they’ve had some good results in the last four league games winning two and drawing one. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa beat Pretoria Callies in the last 32.
They had a difficult task in the last 16 but they came through beating AmaZulu FC 1-0. It all looked easy on paper when they were drawn against Durban City, but it was not and they had to win it on penalties.
These two sides already faced each other twice this season in the league. Pirates won at Orlando Stadium by 8-1. Gallants returned the favour in Bloemfontein beating Pirates 2-0. It’s promising to be a mouthwatering clash this afternoon.
Here’s how they line up:
Pirates XI: Buthelezi, van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Mako, Makhaula, Dlamini, Hotto, Maswanganyi, Nkota, Makgopa.
Subs: Chaine, Xoki, Shandu, Madiba, Ndlondlo, Mosele, Mabasa, Radiopane, Mofokeng.
Gallants XI: Arubi, Ncube, Mathiane, Sibiya, Mabotja, Nhlapo, Manaka, Msendami, Nemtajela, Mahlatsi, Khumalo.
Subs: Akepyi, Conde, Chabatsane, Mhango, Sithole, Ndlovu, Dion, Mokobodi, Nange.
